Cowboys backups lose to Jaguars in preseason finale
In the fourth and final preseason game, the Dallas Cowboys lost to the Jacksonville Jaguars, 34-14. This game is the last time the Cowboys play before week one against the Super Bowl Champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers. With many players on the outside looking in on the 53 man roster, this game is a great opportunity for them to make one final push.
This week, the backup quarterback position was the topic of conversation after incumbent backup quarterback Garrett Gilbert underperformed against the Houston Texans. Former Central Michigan quarterback Cooper Rush got to the start against the Jaguars. That after his stellar performance last week against the Texans, completing 10 of 12 passes for 97 yards for two touchdowns.
Unfortunately, Rush was unable to capitalize on his prior success as the offense could not get anything positive going offensively. Gilbert however did all he could to prove he could be the backup again this season. He went 4 of 8 for 16 yards. The offense moved better during Gilbert’s 10 play 80-yard drive ended in a touchdown throw to wide receiver Aaron Parker and the final two-minute drill before the half.
Since running back Rico Dowdle was placed on injured reserve, the third running back roster spot is up for grabs. The competition seems to be coming down to rookies running back JaQuan Hardy and fullback Nick Ralston. Hardy carried the ball nine times for 26 yards. Ralston was making more plays on special teams.
The defense seemed to be out of sorts from the Jaguars opening drive. They allowed the number one draft pick in 2021, Trevor Lawrence, to lead two touchdown drives in the first half. Rookie linebacker Jabril Cox continues to show his sideline to sideline speed leading the team with seven tackles. Another defensive standout was rookie safety Israel Mukuamu who had an interception.
This game was kicker Greg Zuerlein’s first game since coming off the PUP list this week. Head Coach Mike McCarthy wanted him to get some action this week so the game against the Bucs would not be the first time kicking this year. He went 0 for 1 after missing a 56-yard field goal at the end of the second quarter and 2 for 2 on extra points.
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When the coaches make their final decisions on the team this Tuesday, they will use this game to figure out the bottom end of the roster. After that, the Cowboys will have two weeks to prepare before traveling down to Tampa Bay and playing the Buccaneers on Sept. 9 at 8:00 p.m.